A central double decrease eliminates 2 stitches in a symmetrical way (thus ‘central’ and ‘double’). It results in a strong vertical decrease line that doesn’t slant to the left or the right, the way that the decreases k2tog, ssk, or sl1-k2tog-psso do.
- sl2-k1-p2sso – slip two, k1, pass 2 slipped sts over – central double decrease on the RS
- sl2tbl-p1-p2sso – slip two through back loops, p1, pass 2 slipped sts over – central double decrease on the WS
In the lace pattern shown above (the Bounce Blanket), central double decreases are worked both on RS (right side) and WS (wrong side) rows. So grab the pattern and get started! While these stitches may feel awkward at first, by the time you are done, you’ll have had enough practice to be very comfortable working a central double decrease on either side of the work.
how to sl2-k1-p2sso – slip two, k1, pass 2 slipped sts over – a central double decrease worked on the RS
- Step 1: Slip the next 2 sts at the same time, as if to k2tog, that is, inserting the RH needle tip into the front of the second stitch first, and then the first stitch before slipping these two, at the same time, from the LH to the RH needle
- Step 2: Knit the next stitch
- Step 3: Lift the 2 slipped sts up and over the knit stitch and off the needle
how to sl2tbl-p1-p2sso – slip two through back loops, p1, pass 2 slipped sts over – a central double decrease worked on the WS
Working this decrease is a little trickier, but with a little practice will become easy. In order to slip the stitches through the back loop, you’ll need to turn the work over so you can see the front side of the work, as you are inserting your needle from that side.
- Step 1: Slip the next 2 sts at the same time, from the back of the work, inserting the RH needle tip through the back of the second stitch first, then the back of the first stitch, then slipping the two stitches, at the same time, from the LH to the RH needle (I find I have to flip the work so I can see the knit side in order to do this)
- Step 2: Purl the next stitch
- Step 3: Use the LH needle tip to lift the 2 slipped sts up and over the purl st and off the needle (reach behind the purl stitch, and insert your LH needle tip into the slipped sts on the back / knit side of the work)
other lace tutorials
We’ve got tutorials that cover a wide range of other knit increases and decreases used in lace patterns:
- yo (yarn over, an increase that creates a hole in the fabric)
- k2tog (knit two together, a right leaning decrease)
- ssk (slip-slip-knit, a left leaning decrease)
- sl1-k2tog-psso (slip 1, k2tog, pass slipped stitch over, a left leaning double decrease)
Or browse our complete list of techniques and in-depth project-based tutorials on our HELP! page. If you’re new to lace, I’d suggest starting with our free pattern, the Gothic Lace Scarf or Cowl, you can learn all the steps in our ‘Let’s Knit Lace’ tutorial.
November 28, 2018 @ 7:58 pm
It says above that the first video is going to explain how to sl2-k1-p2sso, but the video actually shows sl1-k2tog-psso. Do you have a video somewhere that actually shows sl2-k1-p2sso? Thanks!!
December 18, 2018 @ 9:54 am
Hi Christina – I see what the issue is! The title image on the video has a typo, it says sl1-k2tog-psso. The video itself actually shows the steps / procedure for sl2-k1-p2sso, so if you follow it through, step by step, that’s what you’ll get. Sorry for the confusion!
May 14, 2016 @ 1:08 pm
I like all your tutorials…very simple to follow. Thank you
May 14, 2016 @ 1:05 pm
When I do a yarn over, does it change the pattern if I do it from front or back yo??
May 15, 2016 @ 3:31 am
Yep, you need to move the yarn around your left needle, bringing the yarn to the front betweetn the needles then over the right needle to the back.
March 10, 2016 @ 4:02 am
Hello, I have purchased most, if not all patterns from Max and Brodhi’s Wardrobe. I have been searching my library on Ravelry for the pattern Rocky. It does not come up. How do I access the patterns I have purchased from you? Paulette.
P.S. Enjoy your emails very much. Love following what you do.
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March 10, 2016 @ 11:57 am
I’ve just sent you an email about this :)
January 27, 2016 @ 4:41 am
The Bounce Blanket is gorgeous! I could imagine applying the pattern to a shawl. If I am able to make this within a couple years, I can die a happy knitter ;) Awesome work!
January 22, 2016 @ 8:21 am
That blanket is beautiful and is now on my Knitting Bucket List. Getting more confident with lacework is one of my goals for 2016, so thank you for the gothic lace tutorial (also beautiful)! I can’t wait to practice! Happy knitting! :)
January 21, 2016 @ 10:15 am
Thanks for this tutorial! I just had to look this decrease up this past weekend when I realized I was doing it wrong. :)